MOM releases 3Q 2026 labour market update showing 27,700 employment growth
Singapore’s labour market expanded in 3Q 2026 with 27,700 more jobs, though hiring and wage growth remained cautious. Retrenchments rose slightly in key sectors.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) released its 3Q 2026 labour market update, showing total employment grew by 27,700 compared to the previous quarter. This marks a significant increase from the 11,400 jobs added in 2Q 2026. Both resident and non-resident employment saw faster growth than the previous quarter, with non-resident employment contributing the majority of the increase. The report highlights that growth in construction and manufacturing sectors drove much of the employment expansion.
What was announced
The labour market report revealed that total employment increased by 27,700 in 3Q 2026, a rise from 11,400 in 2Q 2026. This growth was driven by both resident and non-resident employment, with non-resident employment accounting for the majority of the increase. The report also noted that retrenchments rose slightly, with 4,800 job losses in 3Q 2026 compared to 4,620 in 2Q 2026.
Key dates and next steps
The Labour Market Report Third Quarter 2026 will be released in mid-December 2026, providing a comprehensive assessment of the labour market situation. This report will include detailed sectoral data, job vacancies, and re-entry rates among retrenched residents. For more information, readers can refer to the Annex section of the report.
What changes for project managers
Project managers should monitor the construction and manufacturing sectors, as these areas saw significant employment growth. The report also highlights the importance of upskilling and reskilling, with various government schemes available to support workforce transformation. Understanding the trends in job vacancies and re-entry rates can help project managers plan for future workforce needs.
Key facts
- Total employment grew by 27,700 in 3Q 2026, up from 11,400 in 2Q 2026
- Resident and non-resident employment both saw faster growth than the previous quarter
- Retrenchments increased from 4,620 in 2Q 2026 to 4,800 in 3Q 2026
- The overall unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.0% in September 2026
- The share of firms expecting to hire rose from 30.5% in August to 42.3% in September 2026
Source
1030 Labour Market Advance Release 3Q 2026
MOM Press Releases · 30 October 2026 · This brief is a summary in our own words. Read the original for the full text.
Ai-Deal answers questions on planning rules, submissions and timelines for Singapore renovation projects.
Ask Ai-Deal about this rule for your projectThis brief summarises an official document in our own words. It is not legal, financial or professional advice, and Ai-Deal is not affiliated with the agency that issued it. Check the linked source before acting on it.